Although Hull KR coach Willie Peters is happy with his team’s response to last weekend’s Challenge Cup heartbreak, he is still looking for more from his players.
The Robins’ 64-14 thumping of the London Broncos on Sunday moved them up to fourth in the Super League rankings, but Peters believes improved defence will be necessary if they want to go even higher.
With the win, Peters’ team is now just two points ahead of Warrington, St Helens, and Wigan, who defeated them in the semi-final the previous weekend.
Jack Broadbent, Niall Evalds, Sam Luckley, and Mikey Lewis all scored two tries apiece as they led the convincing victory over the league’s bottom team, who have now dropped 11 of their last 12 games since moving up from the Championship.
Although Rovers’ points-against record is currently fourth best in the league, Peters criticised his defence for letting the Broncos score three tries in the second half.
“We made adjustments once more, but we also need to have the flexibility to adjust when necessary,” Peters said. “I’m not satisfied with the 14 points we disclosed.
“There have been adjustments, but we must manage it more skillfully, particularly on defence. Without a doubt, we are a defensive team, and defence comes first.
We are no longer that team; instead, we have been giving up about 20 points per game. We aren’t where I think we want to be; the second half (on Sunday) was not good enough.
It’s not good to have a team in a vulnerable position and give up 14 points in the first half.
“While I’m pleased with the response we received, defence will continue to be our top priority.
“If we play good defence, we have enough talent on our team to score points and hurt teams.”
